Steelback to host big weight-loss convention

NEWS RELEASE

TOURISM SAULT STE. MARIE

************************* Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, in partnership with TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) would like to announce an upcoming provincial conference to be held in Sault Ste. Marie on June 5-6, 2009 at the Steelback Centre.

TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit, non-commercial weight-loss support organization that offers club meetings emphasizing nutrition and exercise education focusing on supplementing a member’s effort to manage their weight.

TOPS originally formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1948 with the first Ontario Chapter established in 1955.

Ontario currently has a total of 459 chapters with over 11,000 members.

This convention will bring in over 1,700 delegates from across the province for the weekend and will occupy the Steelback Centre for the two days, hosting meetings, entertainment and seminars.

This event is expected to have an economic impact of over half million dollars on the city and area.

Says Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Executive Director Ian McMillan: “attracting city-wide conventions and sporting events is a number one priority for us, and now with a state-of-the-art facility such as the Steelback Centre, we are able to position our city as a premier destination for provincial and national organizations to consider hosting their functions."

TOPS Coordinator Edythe Cosgrove is “very delighted everyone is coming to Sault Ste. Marie and will be enjoying the hospitality and the local attractions while celebrating the successful weight losses of so many members."

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